Google unveiled its new Pixel 2 devices this week (Picture: Google)
Google unveiled their latest flagship phones on Wednesday: the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
The new phones follow the highly successful Google Pixel phone last year, after Google rebranded their Nexus range.
Android is also used on a host of smartphones such as: Samsung, OnePlus, LG, Sony, Huawei, Motorola and HTC.
What is behind the Android device and phone?
What is Android and an Android phone?
Android is a Linux-based mobile phone operating system developed by Google.
The Android operating system (OS) powers phones, tablets watches and Chromebooks.
The Android OS gives you access to apps which are found in Google’s Play Store and Google’s own bespoke apps (Google Services).
These apps allow you to browse the web, customise wallpapers, access music and videos on YouTube, use satellite navigation, and use the camera.
Google have been focusing on AR heavily in the Pixel with Google Lens.
Users can take a picture and search what they see. They’ll be able to learn more about landmarks or look up books, films, albums and artwork.
Some Android phone manufacturers like Samsung choose to add their own apps on top of Google’s OS.
They, along with LG also have their own ‘skin’ and themes layered onto their phones.
Users looking for a pure or ‘stock’ Android usually opt for the Nexus/Pixel, Motorola and OnePlus devices.
These devices are usually first to receive the updates too.
Developers who sell apps on the Google Play market are charged about 30%.
There are also various on-screen widgets to download and alter. You can customise your own system of shortcuts and menus.
What is Android 8.0 Oreo?
Google’s latest OS is called 8.0 Oreo.
Oreo’s notable features include a picture-in-picture mode, enabling users to view two apps at the same time.
New notification dots have also been added to apps.
Google said battery life on Android smartphones should increase with Oreo, as the software will cut down on app activity in the background.
Android operating systems have been named after delightful sweets and deserts:
[“Source-metro”]
